Craig Locklear

Mr. Craig Locklear of the Prospect Community was born on March 18, 1976, to  Vagon and Kathan Locklear. Craig was a loving father, a devoted husband, an amazing brother and friend. He was a true inspiration to all who knew him. He bravely fought a relentless battle against cancer, and on September 15, 2023, he found peace in the embrace of his Heavenly Father. He was  47 years old.

Craig was preceded in death by his Father, Aunts Shirley Locklear and Clarise Chavis, and a nephew, Shawn Cody Locklear.

 Craig leaves behind his beloved wife of 20 years, Karrie Beth Locklear;  daughter, Chloe Bethany Locklear; son, Chase Brady Locklear; mother, Kathan D. Locklear;  sister, Shelia Locklear; brother, Mitchell (Rhonda) Locklear; sister-in-law Kimberly Sampson;  and in-laws Rachel and Joseph Sampson. He was a special uncle to Seth Locklear, Chelsey Locklear, Sawyer Locklear, and Riley Locklear. He will be missed by several friends he met throughout his life's journey; leaving behind two friends who were like his brothers: Jason (Velita) Locklear and John Brandon (Jessica) Locklear.

Beth and Craig were united in marriage in 2003, and together, they made a happy life on Wildcat Road. Their partnership was a testament to the strength of love and commitment. Together, they weathered the storms of life and celebrated all the blessings God gave them. Craig had an unwavering love for his children. He provided them with love, guidance, and support. His legacy will live through them as they carry forward his teachings and continue to make him proud. Chloe will always be his “Toogee” and Chase will always be his “Little Hound Dog.” Craig was a devoted son and brother who enriched the lives of his parents and siblings in countless ways.

Craig was not only a family man but also a cherished friend to many. His warm smile, sense of humor, and generous spirit drew people to him, and his friendships were cherished by all who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.

As a faithful member of Prospect Church, Craig grew his faith and learned about the goodness of God. He worked for Campbell Soup in Maxton for 24 years. He brightened up the day at work with his humor and laughter. In his spare time, Craig had a passion for hunting, and he often shared these interests with others. Whether it was hunting deer, turkey, or ducks, he approached everything he did with enthusiasm. He had a zest for life that was infectious.

He was always putting a smile on everyone's faces from work, home, and on the many hunting adventures. After his sickness, he found great joy in training his four Black Labrador Retrievers (Flash, Lady, Rain, and Foxy). This newfound joy led Craig to create TEAM BLACK DOG.  

Throughout his courageous battle with cancer, Craig displayed incredible strength and resilience. He faced adversity gracefully, never allowing the disease to dampen his spirit. His bravery and determination inspired all who witnessed his journey, reminding us of the importance of cherishing each moment and never giving up.

So, while we mourn for our loss, we rejoice for Heaven's gain. The Bible teaches us that "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."  Craig fought a good fight and is in eternal rest with the Lord. Today, we take comfort in the fact that he was a born-again Christian, and he was prepared to see his Lord and Savior. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Craig Locklear, please visit our floral store.